Court Upholds R. Kelly’s Convictions And 30-year Prison Term

UNITED STATES – A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld R. Kelly’s conviction for sex trafficking and racketeering, confirming that extensive evidence showed how the former R&B star used threats, abuse, and blackmail to control young women and underage girls.

Circuit Judge Denny Chin noted that jurors could conclude Kelly intentionally harmed his victims if they didn’t comply with his demands.

While Kelly’s lawyer says they may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court over the decision’s use of the RICO Act, the court’s ruling means the conviction and a decades-long prison sentence stands.